A swim school has welcomed a former ballerina as a new teacher.

Puddle Ducks North Hampshire and Reading have recruited Raquel Webster, aged 41, from Woodcote, South Oxfordshire, to their team.

The former dancer, who enjoyed a successful career in ballet, will now be teaching swimming to babies and pre-school children in Reading and Caversham.

(Image: Puddle Ducks)

Ms Webster began her journey in ballet at the age of four.

She went on to study at the Central School of Ballet in London, and performed in the West End and on tours across the UK and overseas with the show The Snowman.

She later joined C12 Dance Theatre and discovered her passion for working with children by connecting with schools to hold workshops and teach ballet.

This inspired her to start her own small dance school.

Ms Webster said: "I took a pause from ballet to have my two children, and it was at this point I really recognised the magic of swimming in terms of bonding, but also the physical benefits that are very similar to that of ballet.

"The importance of coordination, attention to detail and overall muscle development are all areas of knowledge I look forward to bringing with me in my new role as a swim teacher.

"I love the way that Puddle Ducks lessons are child led, provide me with balance as a working mum and have supported me as I embark on my new journey. I can’t wait to dive in."

Owner of Puddle Ducks North Hampshire and Reading, Lizzie Moore, said: "It’s great to welcome Raquel to our team.

"She has so much knowledge from her experience as a professional ballerina and, from teaching ballet to children, but also as a mother, that I know she’s going to be really successful and make a huge splash amongst our customers."

Puddle Ducks is a swim school with highly trained and qualified teachers who identify children's levels of ability and adapt activities accordingly.

The lessons are designed to nurture confidence and encourage natural ability.

Classes are taught in specially selected pools with limited class sizes to ensure each child gets individual attention.

They incorporate rhymes and movements based on extensive child development research.

The school's programmes and teacher training are continually developed using the latest techniques to ensure their teaching standards remain high.

Ms Webster is eager to contribute to this high standard of teaching with her unique background in ballet.

Her knowledge of coordination, attention to detail, and muscle development from her ballet career will be valuable in her new role as a swim teacher.